FLUORINE

Chemical Identifiers

The
Chemical Identifier fields
include common identification numbers, the
NFPA diamond,
U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.

Fluorine is a pale yellow gas with a pungent odor. It is commonly shipped as a cryogenic liquid. It is toxic by inhalation and skin absorption. Contact with skin in lower than lethal concentrations causes chemical burns. It reacts with water to form hydrofluoric acid and oxygen. It is corrosive to most common materials. It reacts with most combustible materials to the point that ignition occurs. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the containers may violently rupture and rocket.

Water vapor will react combustibly with Fluorine; an explosive reaction occurs between liquid fluorine and ice, after an intermediate induction period, [NASA SP-3037: 52(1967)]: If liquid air, which has stood for some time is treated with Fluorine, a precipitate is formed which is likely to explode. Explosive material is thought to be Fluorine Hydrate, [Mellor 2:11(1946-1947)]. It reacts with water to form hydrofluoric acid and oxygen.

Fire Hazard

May ignite other combustible materials (wood, paper, oil, etc.) Mixture with fuels may explode. Container may explode in heat of fire. Vapor explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors, or in sewers. Poisonous gas is produced in fire. Avoid contact with all oxidizable materials, including organic materials. Will react violently with water and most organic materials to produce heat and toxic fumes. Keep gas in tank, avoid exposure to all other materials. (EPA, 1998)

Health Hazard

Poisonous; may be fatal if inhaled. Vapor extremely irritating. Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Chronic absorption may cause osteosclerosis and calcification of ligaments. (EPA, 1998)

Response Recommendations

The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Firefighting

A few whiffs of the gas or vapor could cause death. Gas, vapor or liquid could be fatal on penetrating the firefighters' normal full protective clothing. Only special protective clothing designed to protect against fluorine should be used; the normal full protective clothing available to the average fire department will not provide adequate protection. Do not direct water onto fluorine leaks as the fire may be intensified.

For small fire, use dry chemical or carbon dioxide. For large fire, use water spray, fog, or foam. For massive fire in cargo area, use unmanned hose holder or monitor nozzles. (EPA, 1998)

Fully encapsulating, vapor-protective clothing should be worn for spills and leaks with no fire. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. Ventilate the area. (ERG, 2016)

Wash skin: If the chemical is in liquid form, the worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated.

Remove: If chemical is in liquid form, work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced.

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the work shift.

Provide: Eyewash fountains should be provided (when chemical is in liquid form) in areas where there is any possibility that workers could be exposed to the substance; this is irrespective of the recommendation involving the wearing of eye protection. Facilities for quickly drenching the body should be provided (when chemical is in liquid form) within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is a possibility of exposure. [Note: It is intended that these facilities provide a sufficient quantity or flow of water to quickly remove the substance from any body areas likely to be exposed. The actual determination of what constitutes an adequate quick drench facility depends on the specific circumstances. In certain instances, a deluge shower should be readily available, whereas in others, the availability of water from a sink or hose could be considered adequate.] (NIOSH, 2016)

The fabric permeation data was generated for DuPont by independent
testing laboratories using ASTM F739, EN369, EN 374-3, EN ISO 6529
(method A and B) or ASTM D6978 test methods.
Normalized breakthrough times
(the time at which the permeation rate is equal to 0.1 µg/cm2/min)
reported in minutes.
All liquid chemicals have been tested between approximately 20°C and
27°C unless otherwise stated.
A different temperature may have significant influence on the
breakthrough time; permeation rates typically increase with
temperature.
All chemicals have
been tested at a concentration of greater than 95% unless otherwise
stated.
Unless otherwise stated, permeation was measured for single chemicals.
The permeation characteristics of mixtures can deviate considerably
from the permeation behavior of the individual chemicals.
Chemical warfare agents (Lewisite, Sarin, Soman, Sulfur
Mustard, Tabun and VX Nerve Agent) have been tested at 22°C and 50%
relative humidity per military standard MIL-STD-282.

Normalized Breakthrough Times (in Minutes)

Chemical

CAS Number

State

QS

QC

SL

C3

TF

TP

BR

RC

TK

RF

Fluorine (>95%)

7782-41-4

Vapor

>480

> indicates greater than.
A blank cell indicates the fabric has not been tested. The fabric may or may not offer barrier.

Special Warnings from DuPont

Serged and bound seams are degraded by some hazardous liquid
chemicals, such as strong acids, and should not be worn when
these chemicals are present.

CAUTION: This information is based upon technical data that
DuPont believes to be reliable. It is subject to revision as
additional knowledge and experience are gained. DuPont makes no
guarantee of results and assumes no obligation or liability...

... in connection with this information. It is the user's responsibility to
determine the level of toxicity and the proper personal protective
equipment needed. The information set forth herein reflects laboratory
performance of fabrics, not complete garments, under controlled conditions.
It is intended for informational use by persons having technical skill for
evaluation under their specific end-use conditions, at their own discretion
and risk. Anyone intending to use this information should first verify
that the garment selected is suitable for the intended use. In many cases,
seams and closures have shorter breakthrough times and higher permeation
rates than the fabric. Please contact DuPont for specific data. If fabric
becomes torn, abraded or punctured, or if seams or closures fail, or if
attached gloves, visors, etc. are damaged, end user should discontinue use
of garment to avoid potential exposure to chemical. Since conditions of use
are outside our control, we make no warranties, express or implied,
including, without limitation, no warranties of merchantability or fitness
for a particular use and assume no liability in connection with any use of
this information. This information is not intended as a license to operate
under or a recommendation to infringe any patent or technical information
of DuPont or others covering any material or its use.

(DuPont, 2018)

First Aid

Warning: Fluorine is a corrosive gas and may be converted to hydrofluoric acid in the lungs and on other moist tissue.

Signs and Symptoms of Fluorine Exposure: Signs and symptoms of acute exposure to fluorine include coughing, choking, and chills. Eye, nose, skin, and respiratory irritation may occur. Eyelid eczema and thermal burns have been noted after dermal contact. In severe exposures, pulmonary edema may develop after 1 to 2 days.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to fluorine exposure may require decontamination and life support for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory equipment should also be worn, as necessary. Rescue vehicles should carry supplies such as plastic sheeting and disposable plastic bags to assist in preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:
1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to fluorine.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
4. Transport to a health care facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:
1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel should avoid self-exposure to fluorine.
2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected, provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or other respiratory support.
3. Remove contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed with copious amounts of lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash exposed skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from the local hospital for administration of an antidote or performance of other invasive procedures.
7. Transport to a health care facility.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Regulatory Information

The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of
Lists,
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards,
and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List
(see more about these
data sources).